Saturday, April 30, 2016

While the title indicates this topic is directed at a bride, when you read this very interesting tip from Ruth Wyeth Spears for her 1920s audience, it seems directed at anyone with an interest in the right frock for evening wear. And according to Ruth, the right type of frock depends on your age and body type. If you have a youthful, slim figure, the dress on the right is perfect. Otherwise, choose the dress on the left. ;) Read on for enlightenment!

Looking exactly the same in 1909 as it does now, Trinity Cathedral in Cleveland is on the National Register of Historic Places. This beautiful structure was built in 1901, so it was still a bit of a wonder at the time of this post card.

Message:

Dear Lill:

- Arrived

in Cleveland this A.M.

Had a lake trip from

Buffalo.

Love from

Elsie & Paula

P.S. Have the folks

written to mama

yet? - E.

More relatives enter our view into Lillian's world! In this case, it is a postcard from Elsie and Paula Mueller, sisters of Adolph F Mueller, who is married to Lillian's sister Ann. It is with Ann and Adolph that Lillian is living at this time. The two sisters have just traveled from Buffalo to Cleveland. Both cities are located on the shores of Lake Erie, hence the reference to a "lake trip".

Our clue that they are family (aside from my searches on Ancestry.com) is the postscript. Since Lillian is living with their brother, Elsie asks if "the folks" (meaning Adolph and Annie) have written to mama (that is, Elsie's mother). Elsie is the same age as Lillian (in 1909, age 27), and is just a couple of years younger than Adolph and Ann. Paula is about 6 years younger than her sister.

Sunday, April 24, 2016

In my last post, I featured a vintage sewing pattern and polka dot fabric from the 1930s. Very lovely and so charming! In this post, I pull you 30 years later to the mid-1960s, when Mod fashion was just getting started. These images, also featuring sewing patterns sewn with polka dot fabric, are from a Vogue Pattern magazine, April-May 1965 issue. Enjoy and be inspired!

Vogue 6470: Polka dots certainly pop in this outfit. I love the 3/4-length bell sleeves. Note the just-above-ankle length of the flared pants. I find the model's big hair rather mind-blowing. She looks like a Barbie doll!

Tucked in the envelope was a page from the fabric section of the Sears catalog, featuring silk and rayon fabric and several dress patterns. And there in the upper right corner is the very same dress, in a charming dotted print rayon.

The text for the pattern states "The Dress Hit of the Year". And: "A stunning pattern! At the very top of the style ladder! Featuring a youthful collar and a smart button trim. So simple it can be made with the least possible fuss. A truly versatile style; can be worn almost everywhere! Because it is a Sears pattern you're assured a perfect fit and absolute comfort." Well! Enough said!

Friday, April 8, 2016

Who doesn't love a bit of bling? This lovely tip from Ruth Wyeth Spears and the 1920s features beads of glass or metal on satin-covered self-made pins. So pretty, and perfect for gifts as well as for yourself. Be inspired!

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The images in this blog are provided for educational purposes. These images are reproduced from my personal collection of vintage patterns, books, booklets and magazines on sewing and fashion. They are in the public domain with expired copyrights. I do not profit from these images. Images also include photographs sent to me by my customers and reprinted with their permission. The text and images are copyrighted by Midvale Cottage with all rights reserved, and may not be sold.